Timothy Ludwig Hertel

Timothy Ludwig Hertel, 83, of Grafton WI, passed away on Monday, May 5th, 2025. His wife Judith and granddaughter Danielle were by his side.

Timothy was born on February 5, 1942 to parents Hilaria Barbara (Krautkramer) Hertel and Erwin Paul Hertel. Tim grew up in Chilton, WI. As a young boy, Tim enjoyed spending time on his Uncle Pretz and Aunt Vee’s farm. One of his favorite early childhood memories, that he shared with his wife Judith, was how his Uncle Pretz and Aunt Vee gave him and his older brother Roger each a calf. Tim named the calves Sally and Jane, names chosen from his first grade reader. Tim said his calf would often pull hard on the halter and drag him because he was just a young boy. Tim’s brother Roger always “rescued” him and kept him safe.

Tim graduated from New Holstein High School in 1960 and went on to attend UW Oshkosh for 2 years. Tim liked to share stories and told about how he painted really tall electrical towers to earn money for college and books. The job was dangerous and scary because he wasn’t provided with a safety harness. But he did the work as the job paid well. Tim left Oshkosh as a junior and joined the US Army during the Vietnam war. Tim was stationed in Japan while enlisted and worked in security intercepting messages from Russia. Tim was in the military for 4 years.

After his army service, Tim attended Milwaukee Area Technical College and earned an associate degree in business. Tim also met his wife Judith shortly after discharging from the army. Both worked in the purchasing department at the Harnischseger Corporation in Milwaukee.

Timothy and Judith were married in 1966 at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Milwaukee, WI. They were best friends and sweethearts from the moment they met. They loved being together. They traveled to many state and national parks where they liked to hike the trails and camp outdoors. They vacationed in Hawaii four times and took a Rhine River riverboat cruise with Judy’s family. During the past 35 years, Tim and Judy spent summers at Weaver’s Resort in Pelican Lake in northern Wisconsin. They often camped with their son Dan and daughter-in-law Lynn, and grandchildren Danielle, Krista and David. Tim enjoyed fishing, especially at Pelican Lake with his son and grandson. Tim enjoyed playing the card game sheepshead. His favorite partners were his dad and brother Roger. Tim was good at playing sheepshead and even won a few sheepshead tournaments. In the summer, Tim helped Judy with their vegetable garden. They shared their garden produce with family, friends and neighbors. Tim was always giving and generous. His strong faith guided him. He and Judith were members for over 50 years at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Grafton, WI. Tim had a great sense of humor. His dry quick wit often made people laugh. He was a friendly kind man who loved his wife, son, grandchildren and family very much. His son referred to his dad as “his hero” when he was growing up.

Timothy is survived by his wife Judith, son Daniel (Lynn) Hertel, grandchildren Danielle (Tyler) Herzog, Krista (Matt) Garibaldi, David (Kelsey) Hertel, and four great grandchildren Evelynn, Paxton, Eli, and Odin. He is also survived by his brother Roger, sisters Donna and Jane whom Tim often called “BABY Jane” because she was 17 years his junior, and a brother-in-law Roger. Tim is preceded in death by his parents, his sister Christine (“Kitty”), a sister-in-law and 2 brothers-in-law.

Timothy’s family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to the Bristol Hospice nurses and CNA’s, and to the Legacy of DeForest Assisted Living staff for their help and the care they provided for Tim. And a very special thank you to Debbie and John Edwards for their help and kindness.

Funeral services will be at The Cress Center, 6021 University Avenue, Madison WI, on Friday May 30, 2025. Visitation will be from 10 am - 11:30 am. A memorial service will be held at 11:30 am.

Please share your memories of Timothy Ludwig Hertel by posting in his Guestbook.

Cress Center

6021 University Ave. Madison

(608) 238-8406